Neck pain becomes especially frustrating when it travels into your shoulder or arm, or leaves your hand feeling numb or tingly. It can interrupt sleep, make desk work uncomfortable, and interfere with driving, exercise, and everyday tasks.
At The Healing Joint in Scottsdale, Dr. Rambod Derakhshani brings 23 years of clinical experience to evaluating and treating these problems. Our approach combines a thorough examination, targeted in-office treatment, and practical exercises for home. The goals are clear: reduce pain, improve movement, and help you return to the activities that matter to you.
What do cervical disc degeneration, bulges, and herniations mean?
The cervical spine is the neck portion of your spine. Its discs sit between most of the vertebrae, allowing movement and distributing load.
- Disc degeneration: A disc loses hydration or height over time. Arthritic changes and bone spurs can also develop around the vertebrae.
- Disc bulge: A broader portion of the disc extends beyond its usual boundary.
- Disc herniation: Disc material extends outward more focally, sometimes irritating or compressing nearby nerve structures.
These findings do not automatically explain every symptom. Some people have disc changes without pain. We match examination findings with your symptoms and any imaging, rather than treating a scan alone. Read about disc problems and nerve symptoms from MedlinePlus.
Why can a neck problem cause symptoms in your arm or hand?
Nerve roots leave the cervical spine and contribute to the nerves supplying your shoulders, arms, and hands. Irritation of a cervical nerve root is called cervical radiculopathy. Symptoms can include arm pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness, sometimes alongside neck or shoulder-blade pain.
However, not all hand numbness comes from the neck. Carpal tunnel syndrome, irritation of a nerve at the elbow, and other conditions can produce similar symptoms. AAOS explains these overlapping causes.
A cross-sectional view showing the relationship between a herniated cervical disc, the spinal cord, and exiting nerve roots.
“Cervical disk herniation” © Dr. Harry (Charalambos) Gouvas, CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified.
A clear diagnosis comes first
Your first visit starts with your history and a hands-on examination. Dr. Derakhshani evaluates neck movement, muscle tension, strength, sensation, reflexes, and how particular movements affect your symptoms. This helps guide treatment and identify when additional testing or referral is needed.
X-rays provide useful information about bone alignment, arthritic changes, and disc-space narrowing. They do not directly show a herniated disc or confirm nerve compression. MRI provides more detail about discs, nerves, and the spinal cord. AAOS: diagnostic testing.
An MRI is not routinely required before beginning conservative care. It becomes more important when symptoms persist despite treatment, often after four to six weeks, or when concerning neurological findings call for earlier investigation. Insurance authorization requirements vary by plan. AAFP: evaluation and imaging guidance.
Our nonsurgical treatment approach
For patients seeking cervical disc bulge treatment in Scottsdale, we build the plan around the examination findings, symptom severity, and response to care. Dr. Derakhshani selects the treatments used at each visit and adjusts the plan as you progress.
Chiropractic care and joint mobility
Our chiropractic care addresses restricted movement in the spine and related joints. The examination guides the choice of adjustments, gentle mobilization, or other techniques. A disc diagnosis does not automatically mean forceful neck manipulation.
Cervical spinal decompression
Cervical spinal decompression uses controlled traction to apply a carefully selected stretching force through the neck. We adjust positioning and treatment settings to the individual and monitor how symptoms respond.
Class IV laser therapy
We use Class IV laser therapy as an adjunct for pain management. It applies light energy to the treatment area. Laser therapy and cervical decompression are separate treatments: laser uses light, while decompression uses mechanical traction. They can be included in the same care plan.
Active Release Technique and soft-tissue treatment
Active Release Technique and myofascial work target tight or restricted muscles around the neck, shoulders, and upper back. We combine hands-on care with movement to address the muscle component of your symptoms.
Acupuncture and in-office electrical stimulation
Acupuncture is another component of our care approach for pain and muscle tension. Electrical stimulation and TENS are in-office treatments selected as part of your visit; a take-home TENS unit is not included.
Home exercises and movement habits
You receive individualized home exercises focused on the neck, shoulder blades, and upper back, along with guidance on activity and positioning. Use our Head & Neck Exercises as directed by your clinician. Exercises should be adjusted if they increase radiating pain or numbness.
We also discuss supportive options such as massage therapy, cupping, and assisted stretching when planning your care.
Comprehensive Care Plans: buy six visits, get the seventh at no charge
After your initial examination and treatment, you can purchase a Comprehensive Care Plan based on Dr. Derakhshani’s recommendations. The initial visit is separate from the package.
| Care plan | Package total | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 7 visits — pay for 6, receive 1 at no charge | $660 | $110 |
| 14 visits — pay for 12, receive 2 at no charge | $1,320 | $220 |
The standard treatment rate is $110 per visit. Package care combines the clinically selected services discussed above: chiropractic adjustments, cervical decompression, Class IV laser therapy, acupuncture, Active Release Technique, in-office electrical stimulation/TENS, and home-exercise instruction.
Your treatment is personalized to your clinical needs. The combination varies from visit to visit; not every service is used at every appointment. We explain the recommended plan and included services before you purchase.
What does recovery look like?
Many people with cervical nerve-root symptoms improve with nonsurgical care. The pace varies, so follow-up examinations matter. AAFP reviews recovery and reassessment.
At The Healing Joint, we track changes in pain, hand symptoms, movement, strength, and day-to-day function. If progress stalls or neurological findings worsen, we reassess the diagnosis and arrange additional evaluation. The goal is meaningful improvement, not simply completing a preset number of visits.
When to seek urgent medical attention
New or worsening arm or hand weakness, difficulty walking or balancing, increasing hand clumsiness, or new bladder or bowel changes need urgent medical assessment. Do not wait to finish a treatment package. NHS: symptoms that need urgent attention.
Start with an evaluation at The Healing Joint
Neck pain and hand symptoms deserve a clear explanation and a practical treatment plan. Schedule an initial evaluation with Dr. Rambod Derakhshani to discuss your symptoms, your goals, and whether a Comprehensive Care Plan fits your needs.
If your main concern is neck pain with headaches, read our related article on cervical facet joints and headaches.
